Jim McElwain of Colorado State is on the sideline during the game against San Jose State. <a href="http://photos.denverpost.com/2013/10/12/photos-colorado-state-vs-san-jose-state-mwc-football/"><b>More photos.</b></a>

FORT COLLINS — That “statement” game Colorado State coach Jim McElwain wanted Saturday only told everybody — including a big homecoming crowd — that the Rams still are a long way from making some noise.

“This one hurts,” McElwain said after the 34-27 loss to San Jose State. “I can’t tell you how sick I feel for all the people that came out to support us. It’s disappointing, very disappointing.”

A crowd of 26,022, the largest at Hughes Stadium in two years, watched the Rams fall short in their Mountain West opener. Colorado State (2-4, 0-1) was outscored 17-3 in the second half.

“We talk all the time about finishing,” said CSU quarterback Garrett Grayson. “Coach Mac says you can start fast all you want, but if you don’t finish, things like this can happen.”

The best way for a visiting team to quiet a boisterous crowd? Pop some huge plays. CSU’s defense figured to yield some “chunk” plays to San Jose State (3-3, 2-1) and the Spartans’ slinging senior quarterback, David Fales. But too many went for the whole enchilada.

Regarded as an NFL prospect, Fales finished with 431 yards passing and burned the CSU secondary for touchdowns of 83, 77 and 62 yards. The last of those came on what appeared to be a simple “bubble” or “slip” screen in front of the Rams’ bench, the kind that may net 10 yards. But wide receiver Tyler Winston darted behind a block and then raced the distance to put the Spartans up 34-27 with 5:36 remaining.

Colorado State had to punt away its ensuing possession, and San Jose State was able to run out the clock.

“I think we answered the call,” said first-year San Jose State coach Ron Caragher.

CSU, on the other hand, is still looking for answers with the season almost reaching the halfway point of the Rams’ 13-game schedule. For one, poor tackling remains an issue.

And, oh, those gashers. Fales’ other touchdown bombs went to running back Jarrod Lawson (83 yards) and wide receiver Chandler Jones (77) in the second quarter.

Colorado State had enough players in the secondary, employing a “dime” formation of six defensive backs for much of the game. Trouble is, the Rams lost track of receivers and Fales made them pay.

On the touchdown to Lawson, Fales scrambled to his left to avoid a possible sack by CSU linebacker Shaquil Barrett. Then Fales threw back to his right and hit Lawson sprinting out of the backfield with no defender near him.

“It’s keeping your eyes right,” said CSU senior cornerback Shaq Bell. “When the quarterback starts running, you still have to lock down on your guy.”

Colorado State’s Grayson threw for 310 yards (a career best) and three touchdowns, including scores of 50 and 35 yards to emerging tight end Kivon Cartwright. But that’s not what the homecoming crowd will remember about the game. There was too much disappointment.

CSU plays next Saturday at archrival Wyoming. The Cowboys’ Brett Smith may be the best pure passer in the conference.

“We can’t let that guy control the game like this guy (Fales) did,” McElwain said.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tyreek Hill didn’t know what to do when he started hearing thousands of people in Arrowhead Stadium chanting his name, even as he stood all alone on the frozen turf waiting for the punt.